Dave the Diver Switch 2 Edition Review

Dave the Diver Switch 2 Edition Review
Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2

I reviewed Dave the Diver on the Switch the same week that I decided to really go all in on What’s it Like, and it was wedged somewhere in between Borderlands 3 and Hogwarts Legacy, so I decided to fill that gap with a budget title, as review codes were few and far between in those days. I’m so glad I did, because I stumbled upon what I would consider one of my all-time favourite games released in 2023. Now, Dave the Diver has come to Switch 2, offering improved graphics and smoother framerates, and I feel a new version of the game deserves a new review, so… What’s It Like? Put on your flippers, grab your oxygen tank, and let’s dive into Dave the Diver for Nintendo Switch 2.

Before we begin: If you just want to know what has changed for Switch 2, here it is. The core game remains the same, with no new content added, but the performance improvements make a noticeable difference. Frame rates are higher and more consistent, underwater movement feels smoother, and transitions between diving and the sushi bar are quicker. Minor stutters and occasional slowdowns that were present on the original Switch are gone. The upgrade is free for existing owners, so returning players can enjoy these improvements without spending anything extra.

At its core, Dave the Diver has two wildly different gameplay aspects. By day, you explore the depths of the mysterious Blue Hole, diving for fish, treasure, and the occasional sea monster. By night, you serve up your fresh catches at a bustling seaside sushi bar. It sounds like an odd mix, but the balance between action and management is exactly what makes the game special. The story blends lighthearted humour with a surprisingly heartfelt tone. Its cast of quirky characters, from the stoic Bancho to the adventurous Cobra, gives the world a sense of personality that sticks with you. Dave himself is a lovable protagonist, helping people in need and just trying to do his best at all times. Every day feels like its own little story, whether you are fishing for specific species for an event or perfecting a new menu item, the story progression and quests mean there’s always something to work towards. What is most impressive is how the world of Dave the Diver has grown richer over time. Each DLC pack has added something new without breaking that original charm. Crossovers that sound ridiculous on paper, like Balatro and Potion Craft, somehow feel completely natural once you are back behind the sushi counter,  and slip seamlessly into the game’s quirky universe.

Dave the Diver splits its gameplay across two very different worlds. Diving is a side-scrolling adventure where you catch fish with your trusty harpoon while uncovering the mysteries of the Blue Hole. You will gather materials, upgrade weapons, dodge sharks, and reel in new species of fish to create wild and over-the-top recipes. Oxygen management is key to each dive, and you will need to find pockets of air or spare tanks to stay submerged longer. The more you upgrade your gear, the deeper you can explore.

Above the surface is Bancho Sushi, your restaurant. This part of the game goes all in on business management. You can train staff, set menus, research new dishes, and work toward higher rankings that raise your restaurant’s prestige. It goes even further by letting you run a small farm to grow ingredients, build a fish-breeding facility to reduce the pressure of constant fishing, and eventually open a second sushi bar as part of your growing franchise. During service, you can even help serve customers and mix cocktails while your staff rush to keep up with the orders.

Both gameplay styles shine, and they are what make the experience so addictive. The game would not work as well without either half. Diving often feels like a relaxing break after the busy pace of restaurant management, while the restaurant becomes the reward at the end of a long day of diving. Selling your fresh catches and seeing them turned into beautiful dishes always feels satisfying. Even after dozens of hours with Dave and the crew, that gameplay loop continues to draw me in. At one point, I spent nearly ten hours just running the restaurant, earning money, and improving my staff without touching the story, and I never once grew tired of it.

Dave the Diver features a bright and colourful palette that brings its underwater world to life. The mix of styles is part of its charm. Characters are expressive 2D sprites full of personality, while the fish, environments, and effects around them are rendered in detailed 3D. The result is a hybrid art style that feels both old-school and modern, with the contrast between flat characters and vibrant ocean scenes giving the game a distinct look somewhat similar to Square Enix’s 2D-HD titles. Lighting plays a big role in creating atmosphere. Sunbeams pierce through the water as you dive deeper, and the Blue Hole changes in tone from inviting to dark and mysterious the further you go. On Nintendo Switch 2, everything looks sharper and more refined. The upgraded resolution makes the pixel art crisper and textures cleaner, especially when docked on a larger screen. Colours pop more, and animations feel smoother, giving both the sushi bar and the ocean a new level of clarity. As mentioned earlier, the performance issues that appeared on the original Switch are gone here. The higher frame rate and improved resolution make Dave the Diver an even more enjoyable experience, especially during longer sessions.

Where Dave the Diver truly shines is in its phenomenal soundtrack. It blends playful ukulele melodies with modern Asian jazz and hip hop influences that will have you nodding your head as you play. I first discovered this soundtrack more than two years ago, and it still appears regularly on my Spotify playlists. The talented group behind it includes Jukio Kallio, D’Anthony Wooten, Stephen Mo, Neo Sound, and others, each bringing a unique style to the mix. The music elevates every part of the experience. During dives, the tracks capture a sense of calm curiosity, making exploration feel almost zen-like in nature. In the restaurant, that same soundtrack shifts to a confident groove, matching the rhythm of serving dishes and managing the chaos behind the counter. Simply put, this is one of the best game soundtracks I have ever heard.

Dave the Diver on Nintendo Switch 2 is not a massive revelation, but it does not need to be. The original version was already one of the most polished and charming indie games on the platform. What this release offers is a smoother, sharper, and more stable way to experience it all over again. The higher frame rate and improved resolution make every dive feel more fluid, and the world itself more vibrant. There is no new content here, but the existing experience remains exceptional. For new players, this is the best way to discover one of the standout indie titles of the last few years. For returning fans, it is a perfect excuse to dive back in.

So, Whats it Like? Dave the Diver is a mix of a Kairosoft Business Management game and Stardew Valley.

Unsurprisingly, Dave the Diver is still a What’s It Like Certified Exceptional game.

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